How Paris Changed My Life

3

The anticipation was palpable as Max and I prepared to venture out into the Parisian evening. The excitement was almost tangible, a buzz of energy that seemed to vibrate through the cool night air.

Max turned to me with a hopeful grin. "Ready?"

I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Um, yes. You?"

"Certainly," Max responded with an enthusiasm that matched my own. "We have to continue. Remember? James and Liam are already here.

I glanced at my phone, checking the time. "Is it time yet?"

"We've got five minutes left. Let's head out," Max suggested, clearly eager to get started.

"Great," I agreed, feeling my own excitement build as we made our way outside, closing the door behind us with a soft click.

The brisk Parisian evening greeted us as we arrived at the reception area. James and Liam were already there, their faces bright with anticipation. They waved at us as we approached, their excitement mirroring our own.

"And? Are you looking forward to it?" Liam asked, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

"Yes, it's going to be a fantastic evening," I replied, my voice carrying a note of happiness.

James, standing slightly apart from Liam, shot me a nervous glance before leaning in to whisper something in Liam's ear. Liam nodded in response, and then James turned back to us with a look of determination.

"Max, Aiden needed us for something. We'll catch up with you later?" Liam said, his tone indicating that there was something specific they needed to attend to.

"Okay, see you later," Max replied, giving them a wave as they started to walk away.

I turned to James, curiosity piqued. "Noah," James said, his voice carrying a hint of nervous excitement.

"Yes?" I responded, trying to hide my own growing curiosity.

"Would you like to spend the night with me? We could walk through Paris together. Just the two of us?"

The invitation caught me off guard, and I felt a rush of warmth color my cheeks. My mind scrambled for the right words, but for a moment, I was at a loss. The silence between us stretched as I struggled to find my voice.

"Um, yes, I'd like that," I finally managed to say. "Do you have any other ideas for what we could do?" I asked, trying to break the awkward silence.

James's nervous expression melted into a warm smile. "Yes, we could have dinner at a nice restaurant and then take a walk close to the Sacré-Cœur to enjoy the view."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," I replied, feeling a flutter of excitement at the thought of spending such a special evening together. "A bit like a date."

"Yes, actually," James said, his smile widening.

Just then, Mr. Benjamin and Mr. William stood up, drawing everyone's attention. Mr. Benjamin took the microphone and began to speak. "Everyone, listen carefully. We will all go to the Sacré-Cœur together. You are not allowed to split into separate groups."

Mr. William added, "Once we arrive at the Sacré-Cœur, you will be free to explore. However, we expect everyone to return to the entrance no later than eleven-thirty."

The group dispersed as we made our way to the Sacré-Cœur. The hotel was conveniently located only a fifteen-minute walk away from our destination. The walk was quiet, the only sounds being the distant hum of city life and the occasional rustle of leaves in the evening breeze. I felt a curious sensation of being watched and glanced around to see Olivia's eyes fixed on me.